On Friday, February 23, 1923, in the German Lutheran School House, on McHenry Avenue, under the leadership of Pastor Frank Carlson from Elgin and with Gus Moberg as secretary, the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Bethany Church was formed. Five days later, the church board, composed of three deacons and three trustees was elected. The Trustees were given the job of locating a church building site.

The congregation was able to purchase a lot at the corner of Elmhurst St. and Crystal Lake Ave., for $3000. The ground breaking for the original building was September, 1924. The members dug the building's foundation by hand to hold down costs. In June, 1925, the Rev. Harvey G. Hedlund became the first resident pastor; Mabel Carlson Munson was the first organist. The building was dedicated on September 27, 1925. The total cost of the building was $24,000.

In 1931 a parsonage was built on the lot next to the church; almost all of the labor and some of the materials were donated by members and others. Pastor Youngdahl guided the young congregation through the difficult depression years. In 1942 pews were purchased from a church in Barrington for $450. 1943 marked the twentieth anniversary of Bethany, an occasion that was appropriately celebrated. By 1952 membership had reached 301, with 267 enrolled in church school. In 1953 Bethany embarked on a new building program, a wing for education - construction of the original Luther Hall addition began on September 1, 1957. During the building years, the financial standing of the congregation improved. Bethany became a self-sustaining congregation. In 1962 Bethany made the transition from the Augustana Synod to the Lutheran Church in America by formally adopting the new constitution for churches during the years 1962-63.

From 1969 through the 1970's there was a steady influx of people and growth. As members envisioned the future, Bethany embarked on another building project to expand worship space. To accomplish this meant that the old church building would have to be torn down. In 1978 the structure was again updated and expanded with a new sanctuary, fellowship room, church offices, and additional Sunday School space. Bethany continued to plan for the future, purchasing adjacent properties as they became available in anticipation of still another building program.

In April 1999, members of Bethany continued to envision the future by voting to expand our facility. In September 1999 there was a capital appeal campaign "Embrace the Vision... Seize the Opportunity" for this expansion. The response was overwhelming. This building program included a new wing that houses a larger and more versatile Luther Hall, a pre-school, and a large community room. The church offices were moved into a remodeled original Luther Hall and a large gathering area opened up.